Obblogatory Ramblings About Life

Yep. It’s time to sell my first generation iPad. Specs. Late version (bought March 2011).

16GB with 3G Capability. Updated to latest software possible for this version (5.1).

Comes with original Box.

Additional Components:

• Typing Keyboard (connects with BlueTooth).
• Several Chargers.
• Standup Case/Bag.

A scratch on the bevel and a ding on the edge are the only two flaws. Battery is still in good condition. All buttons on the unit fully functional. It is also unmarked with a laser tattoo. The unit has been very reliable and has no known issues.

NT$8500 all in. Living in Taipei. Contact me via the form.

We made these steamed buns this weekend, all sorts of shapes. We’re getting better now: proving times, better mixture of ingredients, and we added pumpkin so they are very seasonal!

Kenneth

I really like this store: lots of good books available in Chinese, English, French and Japanese. I usually raid them for quality children’s books.

[On the Agenda] 2011 Taipei Food Festival
【本月大小事】2011臺北美食饗宴

Taiwan What’s Up? is offering its readers a special Taipei Food e-coupon for the 2011 Taipei Food Festival. Just visit the websites below to gain access to the many discounts offered at this year’s event. ► http://taipeifood.smartfun.com.tw/index.php《full text》

Taiwan What’s Up? 將配合2011臺北美食饗宴提供好康優惠券，讀者可自行列印並於指定門市使用。 ► http://taipeifood.smartfun.com.tw/index.php 《詳全文》

[On the Agenda] SenCare 2011
【本月大小事】2011年臺灣國際銀髮族暨健康照護產業展

From June 23 to 26, the SenCare exhibition will take place at the Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall. This show will focus on the medical needs of seniors and top brands from around the world will present their innovative products. ► (02) 2725-5200 ►www.SenCare.com.tw《full text》

「2011年臺灣國際銀髮族暨健康照護產業展」將於6/23至26日於台北世貿中心舉行，本展將邀請全球各知名廠商展出在高齡醫療照護上的創新產品。 ► (02) 2725-5200 ► www.SenCare.com.tw《詳全文》

[Editor's Note] Responding to population aging
【編輯的話】因應高齡化社會的來臨

In an unprecedented demographic shift, the number of young people in Taiwan has been dwindling, while the number of seniors has been rapidly expanding. Although the underlying cause is that we are living longer and having fewer children, the significant number of people from the baby boomer generation who are going to retire is poised to accelerate this trend in the near future.《full text》

臺灣目前處於前所未有的人口轉型階段，此變遷讓這塊土地上的年輕族群逐漸縮小同時伴隨著高齡人口的增加。儘管根本的原因是現代人的壽命變長以及對少子化的需要，但更重要的是嬰兒潮世代的人們逐漸從工作上退休，這股助力也將對不遠的未來造成巨大的影響。《詳全文》

[Hot Topic] Lifelong education injects youth in aging population
【熱門話題】終身學習︰為成人注入青春與活力

The average rate of adults participating in lifelong learning in developed countries is about 42 percent compared to 31 percent in Taiwan. In an attempt to catch up to other nations, the Ministry of Education (MOE) plans to launch a consolidated ID card in September that will promote lifelong learning. 《full text》

在全球已開發國家中成人參與終身學習的人口為42%，相較之下臺灣卻只有31%，為使國人能趕上此一趨勢，教育部正著手計畫終身學習卡並於九月起開始試用。《詳全文》

[Cover Story] Tackling Taiwan’s demographic woes
【封面故事】解決臺灣人口困境

Eighty-two year old Chen Chung-po lives in Taipei’s Beitou District with his wife and family. His six children reside in the Taipei area, but he still doesn’t feel the need to retire. Every day from 6 a.m., Chen farms his land, walking barefoot up and down the small mountain paths with his load of tools or crops.《full text》

陳宗伯已經82歲了，和老伴及家人住在臺北市北投區，他的6名子女也都住在臺北。但他仍不想退休，每天早上6時，陳宗伯就跑到田裡幹活，背著農具或農作物，光著腳在山上的小徑跑上跑下。 《詳全文》

[Foreigners Forum] Pension funds to welcome foreigners
【老外論壇】勞工退休基金向外籍人士開放

Once the amendment to the Labor Pension Act is implemented on Jan. 1 next year, foreign and mainland Chinese spouses of Taiwanese nationals, including non-citizens, will become eligible for voluntary contributions to retirement pension funds.《full text》

明年元月1日勞工退休金條例修正案實施後，臺灣公民的外籍或大陸配偶，不論是否已取得公民身分，均可自行提繳部分薪資加入勞工退休基金。《詳全文》

[NIA News] NIA bridges the world with food
【署內新聞】移民署邀請新住民和外籍朋友一同歡慶端午

Members and friends of the expatriate community celebrated the Dragon Boat Festival with the National Immigration Agency (NIA) and The China Post on June 6 at the Yuanshan Park Expo Dome, on the sideline of the Taipei Food Festival, hosted by the Taipei City Government.《full text》

臺北市政府主辦的臺北美食展，六月六日在圓山爭艷館端午節活動，由入出國及移民署偕同英文中國郵報邀請在臺灣的新住民與外籍朋友，一同在此歡慶端午佳節。 《詳全文》

Got some good news this week! Apparently, I won a competition! I don’t usually enter, but this time, Craig posted a question on his blog about a photograph! If you’re interested in photography, go there and read on. Anyway, his note said:

Your comment on my Why Is This Photo Bad post came up in the random number generator to win a free eBook from Craft and Vision. www.craftandvision.com

He’s the guy who’s keen on wandering around places and taking lots of interesting photos. Some of the places in Taipei are great warrens of streets and markets, often without notable address plaques so it can be quite hard to figure out where you ended up! Look for the keyword Photowalks, if you want to do one. I would link to Taipei photowalks, but the URL keeps changing!

I’d better go claim my gift! Now, which one would be really useful for shooting coffee beans? That’s what I need to do!

If not, check out my Taipei City Guide website, and see what Taiwan has to offer.

Taiwan offices in Europe ready for visa waivers: official
Taipei, Jan. 10 (CNA) Taiwan’s representative offices in Europe are ready to help Taiwanese visitors as the country’s inclusion in the Schengen Area visa-waiver program will take effect Jan. 11, an official said Monday.

If you ever get the notion to visit Taipei, one of the attractions is the Tamsui River which clears out through Tamsui. Walking along the river bank with a spotting scope will show you just how, amidst all the concrete, there is actually quite an abundance of bird life here.

We’ve spotted all sorts of birds among the bushes, in the mangrove swamp, and when the tide goes out! Towards Beitou, you will find a larger bird protection area where there are many varieties of birds living in relative security.  Anyway, worth visiting.